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I started this blog as an extension of the sports stories I've been doing as an independent contractor for the Southside Reporter the past five years. I've been a sportswriter for more than 35 years, including two stints with the late, lamented San Antonio Light. I cover high school football for the San Antonio Express-News in the fall. My purpose, in creating this blog, is to shine a light on the athletic achievements of teams and athletes on the south side of San Antonio.

You make a good point, and I definitely took Southside’s head-to-head win into serious consideration. Also, remember that I did those rankings before the bi-district games. What tipped the scales in Sam Houston’s favor was that they ran the table in their district after losing to Southside while the Cardinals lost twice (once to a team that was winless at that point). In my estimation, Sam Houston finished the regular season as a slightly more consistent team than Southside, if not a slightly stronger team. When Southside played Sam Houston, Jonny Trevino still was healthy and I think he was an important loss, even though Brandon Herrera did an admirable job filling in, especially for a receiver. Offensively, Sam Houston remained intact with all its key players and even added a very good receiver (Jawon Anderson) who didn’t play against Southside. I also think the Hurricanes’ defense improved during the year as did Southside’s. I consider the two teams pretty much equals defensively. It was a very hard decision. I think Southside’s bi-district game was more impressive than Sam Houston’s and if I were to have extended the rankings another week, I probably would have ranked Southside No. 2 and Sam Houston No. 3. But, as with the collegiate AP rankings. my rankings end with the regular season. It certainly wasn’t intended as disrespect toward Southside. I had Southside ranked No. 1 before the loss to Laredo Martin. Both Sam Houston and Southside had fantastic seasons, and I expect they will again next year. Thank you for your question.